Elephant Seals

I affectionately like to call this one 'Sausages on the Beach.'

As if I didn't have enough on my plate already, I've been kind of fascinated with the video my cameras are capable of recently. Honestly, now that I feel like I have my stills under control (not anywhere near perfect, but under control) video looks like a long learning curve.

But then, it also looks really pretty. Here are two examples I've come across recently of video that I want to try out. One is a sort of behind-the scenes at a shoot with the amazingly talented Sue Bryce, and the other is a promotional piece for Jasmine Star. Both are very visually pleasing. Gorgeous, in fact. And I look at them and think, "I could do that! That's just moving photography! No problem."

Of course, it's oodles more complicated than that. Light, sound, focus, camera movement . . . all headaches. But I do think I'm going to dip my toe in, at the very least. I have a very exciting project coming up in March that I'll tell you more about when it gets closer. And it has a lot to do with video.

Oh yeah, and the photo? I took this when Evan and I were away for the weekend, just a few hours after we got engaged. These are elephant seals during their breeding season. They spend a couple months on land to have their babies. Kind of amazing to watch them all flopping around on the beach. And man! are they noisy. Squealing, groaning, you name it. Fighting, mating, nursing, snoozing . . . it was all happening on this beach.

Becca and Matt, San Francisco Engagement Photographer

Meet Matt and Becca. Or Bean and Becca, as they're also called by some. Becca's a med school student, impressively organized (for someone like me), and one of the most positive and open-minded people I've met.  Matt has this quiet something, poise maybe, or just utter confidence that really draws you in. I met up with them  in their San Francisco apartment after they recently acquired two amazing but rambunctious kittens, and we proceeded to take some photos.

First off: what an amazing looking couple, am I right?

I had some serious apartment envy in their place. It was pretty fab, with some amazing window light.

Matt, do you have any idea how many women would kill to have eyes like that?

This is Ms Thistle. She is quite adorb. And yes, that's a word.

And this is Mr Peach. He had the softest fur I have ever felt on a cat. I kind of wanted to just wrap him around my neck and wear him as my scarf. Plus, look at those eyes!

Not only are they gorgeous, they're readers too. I love me some built-in bookshelves.

Love.

Tongue!

Then we went outside and onto their roof to enjoy some of the beautiful San Francisco afternoon light.

Can you believe their view?

Guys, you were the best. Thanks for welcoming me into your home. I know you're perfect for each other.

Oh, and on the subject of engagements and marriage, what do you think of this rating system for husbands and wives? I thought it was pretty funny. And surprisingly (or maybe not so surprisingly) still quite accurate in some instances.

Slow Photography

NOT a slow photograph. Taken in a few seconds on a tour of Hearst Castle.

There's a recent article on Slate about a new photography movement: slow photography. Here's a quote:

"Defined more carefully, slow photography is the effort to flip the usual relationship between process and results. Usually, you use a camera because you want the results (the photos). In slow photography, the basic idea is that photos themselves—the results—are secondary. The goal is the experience of studying some object carefully and exercising creative choice. That's it."

I agree, slowing down is important. But to me this sounds like a distinction between 'spray and pray' and carefully composing your shots. Which is nothing new.  In fact, I would argue that this is what separates photographs from snapshots, and is old as the hills. I also disagree with the assertion made later in the essay that to practice slow photography you need a film camera.

On the other hand, I do think that a lot of people get caught up in the photography and forget to experience the moment. I often don't pull out my camera when beautiful things are happening, because I want to experience that moment without a frame around it. And I do appreciate the value of taking your time in a world that seems to be moving faster and faster.

What do you think?  Are you interested in trying 'slow photography'? Is it any different from what you currently do?

Late Bloomer or Prodigy: What's Your Pick?

Look! It's an artist over there. But what kind??

While reading the featured comments on TOP, I came across this Malcolm Gladwell article from the New Yorker about two different kinds of artists. Prodigies have talents that manifest early, and these are often the most talked about kinds of artists, but there are many who have talent that matures late.

And Gladwell makes an interesting distinction between the two: the Mozarts of this world aren't spending a lot of time searching for their masterpieces. They've already found them, and written them at the age of 21. And then they moved on to the next. While the Robert Frosts and (dare I say) Clint Eastwoods continue to experiment again and again before they finally get it right.

Which method is better is clearly beside the point. If you are given the talent of a Picasso, you shouldn't squander it by trying to emulate Cezanne. And if you aren't a Picasso, there's not much you can do about it.

Still, I found the idea that there is no visible difference between people who will always suck and those who are geniuses late in life very interesting. How do you know you're a Cezanne? And how does anyone else? The only way to find out is to wait and see. And keep at your art, whatever it is.

California Coast: No Need to Wake Up for Dawn

Prevailing wisdom is that there is beautiful light everywhere twice a day: some time around dawn, and some time around sunset. A while back I wrote a post about the glories of shooting at dawn, and why it might be better than sunset. I'd like to update you on that, since I know you've been waiting with bated breath.

I'm rethinking it. As you probably already know if you read my blog with any kind of regularity, I'm not a morning person. However, in an almost unprecedented move, I have gotten up twice to see the dawn in the past couple of weeks. Both times on the coast of California (that is, after all, where I live), and both times: not so impressed. In other words, meh.

Recent case in point: the Twin Peaks fog debacle. It was almost impossible to take any decent photos until about an hour and a half after dawn, just due to the dang SF fog. But also, if you want any shots of the water, the light's going the wrong direction. Dawn is (I am assuming) way better on the East coast than the West coast.

Anyway, both of these were shot about 2 hours after dawn, when the light on the water improved (in my opinion).

Took this from inside the Cliff House Restaurant. See the reflection? I actually thought it made the picture better. What do you think?

True, hollandaise sauce doesn't require dawn light so much as the other, but there's really no wrong light for a breakfast as delicious as this. I might not be a morning person, but breakfast is definitely my favorite meal.

Hungry yet?

Dr Seuss Trees

Mouse over to see a black and white version. I couldn't decide which one I liked better. What do you think?

This shot is from a slightly ill-fated but otherwise quite lovely morning photography trip. We tried to make it to Twin Peaks (an amazing SF overlook) at dawn, but of course were completely fogged out. Visibility from the peaks was about 5 feet into the fog. Hoever, there was a film crew setting up there, and I later learned that it might have been for a film starring Jude Law! Oh, had we but waited the fog out!

But we continued on, and about 7 am, or maybe a little later ended up at Land's End. Which was a little misty, and windy. I regretted not bringing a windproof jacket. We walked around, I took some photos.

And then we had an excellent brunch at the Cliff House. It was a pretty good morning.